Sensor-Integrated Wound Dressing Isolation Against Leakage Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical treatments lack real-time sensor data collection for tissue monitoring and treatment, particularly in wound care, orthopedic immobilization, and internal tissue repair, leading to inadequate understanding of underlying tissue conditions.

Innovation Solution

Integration of sensor-enabled substrates with flexible power sources and electrical isolation mechanisms to monitor physiological parameters and treat wounds, while preventing electric current leakage through the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor-enabled substrates are integrated into wound dressings to collect real-time physiological data, then measurement precision and information quality are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological parameter monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsensor integrated substrate complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (sensors, power source, substrate) into a single integrated wound dressing system. The sensor is directly integrated onto the substrate that contacts the wound, eliminating the need for separate monitoring devices and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural foundation for the sensor, provides the power source mounting platform, and directly contacts the wound for data collection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving monitoring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Duration of action of moving object

If a power source is added to enable sensor operation, then duration of action and autonomy are improved, but object-generated harmful factors (leakage current) increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation durationVSAvoidleakage current through patient body

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating material as an intermediary barrier between the power source and the patient's body. This insulating layer blocks the harmful leakage current path while allowing the power source to continue operating and providing energy to the sensor for extended monitoring duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the electrical circuit by creating distinct isolated zones: the powered sensor circuit on one side of the insulating material and the patient contact area on the other side. This segmentation prevents harmful current flow while maintaining power source functionality and extending operational duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If insulating material is placed between power source and conductive parts to prevent current leakage, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient protection from electric currentVSAvoidassembly complexity of isolated components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating material is integrated into the same substrate that supports the sensor, combining the structural, insulating, and sensing functions into a single manufactured component. This reduces the number of separate assembly steps and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining patient safety through electrical isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides real-time data for improved treatment decisions and patient safety by ensuring sensor-enabled substrates can monitor and treat wounds effectively without electrical hazards.

Implementation Method 1

The power source can be separated from a nearest electrically conductive part of a plurality of electrically conductive parts at least by a first minimum distance measured along a surface of insulating material at least partially supporting the power source and the plurality of electrically conductive parts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12458286B2Patient protection from unsafe electric current in sensor integrated dressings and systems

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 T J SMITH & NEPHEW

AI summary

In some cases, a wearable wound monitoring and/or treatment system can include a substantially flexible substrate configured to be positioned in a wound of a patient, the substantially flexible substrate supporting at least one of a sensor configured to monitor a physiological parameter of the wound or a transducer configured to treat the wound. The system can include a power source configured to provide power to the at least one of the sensor or transducer. The power source can be separated from a nearest electrically conductive part of a plurality of electrically conductive parts at least by a first minimum distance measured along a surface of insulating material at least partially supporting the power source and the plurality of electrically conductive parts, and the power source separated from the nearest electrically conductive part by a second minimum distance measured through air.